GLOBALISSUES

That motivate us to work creatively and develop new ideas about livable, efficient, and sustainable cities.

1 Population Growth

2 Unequal Access to Infrastructure

3 GHG Emission Growth in Developing Countries

4 Climate Change

5 Discipline Silos

#1

By 2050, two billion more people will be living in cities, mostly in less developed countries.

Rapidly urbanizing cities cannot keep up with the demand for basic infrastructure.

Cities in emerging economies have absorbed rural populations in addition to internal population growth. To accommodate two billion more city dwellers, a new city with a population of one million people needs to be created every week for the next 40 years.

#2

#3

Developing countries' GHG emissions are growing while developed countries' emissions are diminishing.

COMMODITIES

Wider access to appliances, entertainment, and conveniences enhance quality of life but contribute to increasing GHG emissions.

INDUSTRY

Energy-intensive manufacturing, such as steel production and petroleum refining, has shifted to emerging markets, improving GDP but exponentially increasing GHG emissions.

MOBILITY

As emerging markets grow, so does demand for modern, comfortable transportation, leading to traffic congestion and a corresponding increase in GHG emissions.

#4

The climate is changing.

"Assessments of the impacts of sea-level rise in coastal countries show that costs of adaptation could amount to at least 5-10% of GDP. However, if no adaptation is undertaken, then losses due to climate change could be up to 14% GDP."

IPCC Fourth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2007

#5

Design disciplines are siloed.

The Design & Construction Industry

Isolating areas of expertise minimizes potential for innovative, cross-disciplinary development. Traditional, field-specific practices prevent the growth of integrated, complex systems that holistically respond to cities’ future challenges. Some call it niche, but we see it as a rabbit hole. Who assembles the big picture and analyzes how engineering systems fit together? Who aspires to optimize the entire urban system, rather than a single discipline?

1. All people have the right to basic infrastructure.

2. Urban development must have a positive impact on climate.

3. Private and public sector cooperation is critical for successful urban development.

4. Integrating natural systems within the urban fabric spurs growth and supports development